Receiving a healthcare certification is a necessity for most healthcare professionals and a fast-growing area that offers abundant job options to choose from, each with its own particular qualifications. Figuring out which professions require certain training can be confusing, but we’re here to clear up some common misconceptions. Let’s look at ten common healthcare training courses. After a brief explanation of each, you can see which jobs require each course. Keep in mind, training standards and requirements vary state by state, although national recommendations are often used as guidelines.
First Aid – this basic training covers trauma, falls seizures, patient assessments and other emergency response tactics. Professions that use First Aid: nursing assistants, construction crew leaders, child care providers, adult family home aids, logging crew, rescue dive teams
CPR and AED (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) – used to treat cardiac arrest victims until help arrives. CPR is usually a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. The AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is the machine used to “shock” the heart into a normal rhythm. People that use CPR: parents, security guards, teachers, fitness trainers, flight attendants, and laypeople.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) – the set of interventions for urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening medical emergencies. ACLS includes advanced airway management, pharmacological interventions, and resuscitation team management. Professions that use ACLS: all healthcare professionals and medical personnel who may respond to a cardiovascular emergency.
BLS (Basic Life Support) – BLS is CPR for Healthcare Providers. This class covers CPR, AED, choking for conscious and unconscious patients of all ages and 2 rescuer CPR. Professions that use BLS: doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, dentists, EMT technicians, healthcare professionals, and other medical workers.
**Tip: If you are not sure if you need CPR and AED or BLS, take the BLS course. BLS is the highest level of CPR training and will fulfill any job requirement for CPR training.
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – Essential for healthcare providers who respond to emergencies in infants and children. Professions that use PALS: doctors, nurses, dentists, pediatric healthcare workers
Pediatric First Aid and CPR Class- Helps manage illnesses and injuries in a child or infant in the first few minutes until professional help arrives. It is designed for non-healthcare individuals and child care workers. Professions that Use Pediatric First Aid: parents, preschool teachers, daycare workers, nannies, babysitters **Tip: Our Pediatric First Aid and CPR class is approved through the California EMSA
NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) – this program is for physicians and nurses that work in the neonatal ICU or labor and delivery department Professions that use NRP: doctors, pediatric healthcare workers, nurses
ECG and Pharmacology (Electrocardiography) – this specialized process is helpful for anyone suffering a heart attack, cardiac murmurs, seizures, pulmonary embolism and other life-threatening emergencies. ECG and Pharmacology is designed to prepare students for ACLS and PALS training. Professions that use ECG: licensed healthcare professionals – doctors, nurses, hospital assistants and aids, ECG technicians
Hospital Fire Safety – this program covers fire extinguisher use, patient rescue scenarios, fire alarm systems, and pre fire planning. This course is specifically designed for Los Angeles City hospitals. Professions that use Hospital Fire Safety: any employee that works in acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, or psychiatric hospitals in Los Angeles.
PEARS (Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization)– this program covers the steps needed to recognize and manage pediatric emergencies. If you are credentialed for advanced pediatric skills, please take the PALS course. Professions that use PEARS: healthcare employees and administrative personnel that work in facilities caring for children.
